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Arts Advocates Announces Exciting April 2026 Events in Sarasota Including Talks, Tours, Art Exhibits and Workshops

| Suncoast Post Staff |

Arts Advocates has announced a full lineup of engaging cultural events taking place throughout April 2026 in Sarasota. The month’s schedule includes artist exhibits, educational talks, guided tours, workshops, and a special luncheon with leadership from the Sarasota Orchestra. These events highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to preserving Sarasota’s artistic heritage while connecting the community with meaningful arts programming.

Unless otherwise noted, advance registration is required through the Arts Advocates website at ArtsAdvocates.org.

Arts Advocates April 2026 Events

Art Venti Exhibit at Arts Advocates Gallery

The Arts Advocates Gallery, located at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota), will feature The Imagination of Art Venti from April 4 through May 30. The exhibit will be open Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Venti is known for his remarkable “pencil paintings,” which are created using intricate layers of colored pencil strokes on large sheets of paper. His highly detailed works often explore environmental themes and social issues. Since relocating to Sarasota, Venti has expanded the scale of his work, with some pieces reaching more than 110 inches wide.

Admission to the gallery and exhibit is free, and no registration is required.

Talkback Tuesday with Van Wezel’s Justin Gomlak

On April 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Arts Advocates will host a Talkback Tuesday program titled From Broadway to the Classroom: Building Creative Futures.

Featured speaker Justin Gomlak, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, will share insights from his dynamic career. Gomlak’s background includes work as a trained opera singer, Broadway dancer and actor, and now an arts educator and DEI practitioner. His presentation will highlight how the performing arts can inspire education and community development. The program takes place at the Arts Advocates Gallery and costs $5 for non-members, while members attend free.

Behind the Curtain Tour at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Arts Advocates will offer a unique behind-the-scenes experience at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The tour, titled Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage, begins with a docent-led exploration of the venue’s impressive art collection, including works from Sarasota Art Colony artists that are part of the Arts Advocates collection. Participants will then step onto the stage itself, where Van Wezel staff will share stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the performing arts world. Tickets are $15 per person and are available through the Van Wezel box office by calling 941-263-6799.

Historic Palmetto Tour

On April 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Arts Advocates will host a private tour of Palmetto Historical Park and Village. Participants will explore several preserved historic structures, including:

  • The 1880 Heritage Post Office
  • The 1936 School House
  • The 1900 Cottage Museum
  • The Heritage Chapel
  • The Cyprus House Military Museum

The tour costs $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

Sarasota Orchestra Luncheon with Joseph McKenna

The organization’s monthly luncheon will take place April 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Sarasota Yacht Club (1100 John Ringling Blvd.). Guest speaker Joseph McKenna of the Sarasota Orchestra will discuss the orchestra’s strategic plan and the development of its future state-of-the-art concert venue planned for Fruitville Road. The luncheon costs $45 for members and $50 for non-members, and includes lunch.

Photography Workshop at Selby Gardens

Closing out the month’s events, photographer Suzanne Havens will lead the workshop Make Your Flower and Garden Photographs Special on April 27 from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown campus.

The session will feature demonstrations and hands-on learning throughout the gardens and conservatory. Designed for both beginners and intermediate photographers, the workshop focuses on composition, lighting, and techniques to capture compelling garden photography. The workshop fee is $60.

About Arts Advocates

Founded in 1969 as The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota, Arts Advocates is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Sarasota’s cultural legacy. The group maintains an important collection of works from the Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen, displayed at the Arts Advocates Gallery. Through exhibitions, tours, educational programs, and scholarships for local students pursuing careers in the arts, Arts Advocates continues to play an important role in supporting and celebrating the region’s vibrant arts community.

For event registration or membership information, visit www.ArtsAdvocates.org.

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